Best Test For Cue Straightness

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cut shot

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have read two conflicting versions. The first was to place the tip on the table & roll the butt on the rail. The next was to put the butt on the table & roll the cue tip on the rail. Anyone know which is correct or something better? Please keep in mind most players don't have access to a lathe!:eek:
 
cut shot said:
True but, like I stated every one does not have a lathe!!!! We have to do the next best thing!:grin:
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I kept that in mind when I answered. The thread title is "Best Test For Cue Straightness."

Using a lathe is best, IMO.
 
JoeyInCali said:
Shoot with it.
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I agree. If you can shoot with the cue and you don't notice anything affecting your play, then the cue is straight enough to play with IMHO or ask your local cue repairman if you can use their lathe, since you don't have one.
 
JoeyInCali said:
Shoot with it.
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Exactly.

If you're a player and intend to use the cue, straightness is the last thing to worry about. Tip quality, construction, and ferrule properties are far more significant than straightness. I will take a slightly warped shaft with a good tip over a straight shaft with a bad tip any day. I don't even bother testing for straightness when I play off the wall. If the tip is good I'll run a slightly damp paper towel over the cue and I'm good to go.
 
Hold the cue up and look down the shaft while slowly spinning the cue. If there is a wobble in it, you will see it.
 
cut shot said:
I have read two conflicting versions. The first was to place the tip on the table & roll the butt on the rail. The next was to put the butt on the table & roll the cue tip on the rail. Anyone know which is correct or something better? Please keep in mind most players don't have access to a lathe!:eek:
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You don't even need a pool table, just a table or counter.

Step 1: Check the shaft

Take the shaft and put it on a table or counter with some light behind it. Slowly turn the shaft and note any difference in the gap - you will immediately see if there is any warpage whatsoever.


Step 2: Check the handle

Do the same with the handle section pressing down on the butt. Note any change in the gap and/or lifting or falling of the joint.


Step 3: Check the joint alignment

Screw the cue together, gunsight down the cue and slowly turn it. If both parts are straight but the joint is out of alignment you will immediately see it because the entire shaft will be turning at an angle to the handle.


The reason why I use the above system is because it not only tells you if the cue is straight, it tells you what it is warped or out of alignment.

Chris
 
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I just lay it on the bed of the table and roll it. If the wobble is so noticeable that it flails back and forth like that then I know something is up. Anything less and the cue is good to go. All this crap doing extra tests is a waste of time. The only reason you wouldn't be able to shoot with it is because you can't handle it mentally. Cues are made of wood, thin pieces of wood at that. Don't think for one second that a shaft won't warp, even a tiny bit. There is no such thing as a perfectly straight shaft. As long as your tip is in good shape and the shaft doesn't look like this....

wcfields.jpg



....then you're clear for takeoff.
MULLY
 
Haha, my KF break cue looks close to that. Both shaft and handle are warped. Still pockets balls off the break, so why throw it away.
 
TATE said:
You don't even need a pool table, just a table or counter.

Step 1: Check the shaft

Take the shaft and put it on a table or counter with some light behind it. Slowly turn the shaft and note any difference in the gap - you will immediately see if there is any warpage whatsoever.


Step 2: Check the handle

Do the same with the handle section pressing down on the butt. Note any change in the gap and/or lifting or falling of the joint.


Step 3: Check the joint alignment

Screw the cue together, gunsight down the cue and slowly turn it. If both parts are straight but the joint is out of alignment you will immediately see it because the entire shaft will be turning at an angle to the handle.


The reason why I use the above system is because it not only tells you if the cue is straight, it tells you what it is warped or out of alignment.

Chris
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That is the best manual method.
 
I am thinking about making a comment box for my cue, so on occasion, when warranted, I can really tell her how I feel. In your situation, I would simply write, "Are you straight?", drop it in the box, and check back in 24hrs. Easy-peesy.
 
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